Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a common concern affecting men. It can lead to dissatisfaction and distress, so it’s worth learning about it and whether premature ejaculation can be cured. 

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is when men face a problem in which the semen leaves the body sooner than desired during sexual experience. This can occur in 1 out of 3 people at one time or another. 

It can be a cause of concern if it always or nearly always occurs within a few minutes of sexual intercourse. PE can be diagnosed if one is not able to delay ejaculation during sex at all or nearly all the time. This can lead to feeling distressed and frustrated which can lead to the individual avoiding sexual intimacy. 

Is there a cure of premature ejaculation?

There is currently no evident cure for PE. It stems from both psychological and biological factors which need to be understood for effective diagnosis and treatment for premature ejaculation. Identifying the reason behind its occurrence can help devise the strategies to help improve it. 

It has psychological causes, being the ones that, if addressed, may somewhat reverse the symptoms of PE. They can be anxiety or stress-related. Other causes are more complex and are usually related to an imbalance of hormones, which could be hereditary. Medical conditions such as prostate issues or thyroid problems can also play a role. The physical causes usually require medical intervention. 

Individuals who experience it only at the beginning of their sexually active journey may only face it due to inexperience and not as a result of having PE.  

Strategies to improve premature ejaculation

To limit the experience of premature ejaculation, it is important to address the underlying conditions or reasons. 

Lifestyle changes 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle will positively impact sexual performance. A good routine of regular exercise, diet, enough sleep and managing stress can reduce the likelihood of premature ejaculation. 

Pelvic Floor exercise

Ensuring the pelvic floor muscles are strong can improve ejaculatory control and delay orgasm. 

Behvaioural management

Techniques such as the stop-start method or the squeeze technique can help in delaying ejaculation. The method is to interrupt sexual activity when nearing climax and apply pressure to the base of male penis. This method will improve the control over time. 

Reduce risk factors

There are various factors which increase the risk of PE. Erectile dysfunction and stress are both factors which once developed can worsen the symptoms of premature ejaculation. 

Treat premature ejaculation 

There is no permanent cure for premature ejaculation however supplements, over the counter products and some treatments are available to help manage it. Males may have little warning before their orgasm so delaying it with some techniques may not be helpful. 

Supplements to treat PE

Magnesium is an important mineral for healthy reproductive health and a correlation has been established that low levels of magnesium increase certain muscle contractions, which contribute to premature ejaculation. 

Zinc supplements have a link to sexual health and male fertility. Zinc may improve sexual dysfunction and increase libido and testosterone levels. However, there is no reduction in premature ejaculation, but if PE is due to ED, zinc can help.  

Topical products to treat PE

Anesthetic creams/sprays containing lidocaine are a popular way males help numb the penis to allow for delaying sensation and increasing the time to climax. These are best applied 20 to 30 minutes before sex. Condoms also provide a similar dulling of sensation and when combined with topical creams can increase time to orgasm. 

Medications to treat PE

If above methods fail, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) specifically formulated to address PE can be explored. It works by boosting serotonin levels, which helps improve control. Another alternative are tricyclic antidepressants. However, these drugs may have additional side effects, so it’s crucial to seek advice from a doctor before commencing their usage

Consult a doctor

It is important to discuss any sexual health-related concerns with a doctor to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be offered. Consulting a health professional will also help determine the underlying cause or medical condition causing the premature ejaculation.